Mexico City has long been one of my favourite cities in the world – a dynamic, colourful and sometimes chaotic behemoth of a city packed full of things to see and do from the dynamic Centro histórico (historic center) with its zocalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes to the welcoming quiet of Bosque de Chapultepec, colourful Frida Kahlo Museum, and the cool, laidback neighbourhoods of La Condesa and Roma Norte.
It’s also a wonderful gateway for exploring nearby regions and there are dozens of neighbouring official pueblos magicos (magical towns) that are perfect for a weekend getaway.
From magical Malinalco and the fascinating town of Bernal to the weekend favourites Tepoztlán, Cuernavaca and Valle de Bravo, these are some of the best weekend trips from Mexico City.
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The best weekend breaks from Mexico City
Table of Contents
You have lots of options when it comes to getting out of the Mexican capital but you will need to plan wisely. Traffic in and out of Mexico City can be terrible, particularly during rush hour and on Friday and Sunday afternoons so make sure to plan accordingly if you don’t want to sit in gridlocked traffic.
Public transportation is one option for getting around and public buses do run to the destinations listed below. There is no one national bus company in Mexico, instead there are various regional companies operating routes across the country. If travelling by bus then this is an excellent blog post detailing everything you need to know.
The best weekend breaks from Mexico City Map
San Juan Teotihuacán
Admittedly the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacán can be visited on a day trip from Mexico City but I have included them here as they are a fantastic destination for a weekend trip.
Located 48 kilometres northeast of the city centre, Teotihuacan is a vast archaeological complex that was once the site of a pre-Columbian city. Running down the middle of the site is the Avenue of the Dead, a lengthy pathway that links the main pyramids: the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun. It’s well worth the effort to climb the latter two for panoramic views.
It’s worth arriving early to beat the crowds and there’s even an option to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vast site.
If you are spending time in Mexico City then don’t miss the ancient ruins of the Templo Mayor and the excellent National Museum of Anthropology, together this trio of sights offer the perfect introduction to an ancient civilisation.
Tequisquiapan, Querétaro
Distance from Mexico City: 187km
Once famous for its thermal springs, the pretty town of Tequisquiapan is an easy day trip or weekend retreat from Mexico City. The cobbled streets are lined with colourful colonial architecture and, at the heart of the town, stands the pink sandstone church of Santa Maria.
The mountains surrounding Tequis hide opals and there are tours where you can mine for the rocks yourself (or get the kids doing it!). Nearby is the small vineyard of San Juanito; buy a bottle and pair it with one of the 128 cheeses for sale at La Vaca Feliz.
Don’t miss the Museo Mexico Me Encanta! (Mexico I Love You), a charming museum that details Mexican traditions via miniatures.
Created by a local woman, Tere Cisneros, the collection began with a simple Mexican nativity scene and has grown over 30 years to include everything from a water park and circus to a parade, cemetery with a Day of the Dead ofrenda, market stalls and more.
Where to stay in Tequisquiapan
Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala
Distance from Mexico City: Approx. 89km
The small village of Nanacamilpa is located in the state of Tlaxcala, to the east of Mexico City. During the summer months this small village comes alive with visitors arriving by the dozen to see the incredible firefly phenomenon.
Positioned within 200 hectares of the Santa Clara Forest, the Reserva de Luciérnagas is filled with thousands upon thousands of glowing fireflies between June to August. These are the months for mating when the female fireflies light up to attract a mate. The result is a sparkling, fairytale woodland like no other.
Where to stay Nanacamilpa
San Sebastián Bernal, Queretaro
Distance from Mexico City: 236km
One of the best places to visit for a weekend break is the small town of San Sebastián Bernal, famous for its Peña de Bernal (Bernal’s Boulder or Bernal Peak). At a 433-metre (1,421 ft) high, the monolith, is one of the tallest in the world and was formed some nine million years ago.
Not surprisingly, there are legends galore about this enormous rock including the belief that a giant snake sleeps inside a cave, guarding both riches and the secret to the origin and destiny of the human race. You can try and find the entrance on a scramble up the sides or content yourself with a more gentle hike where, half-way up, you will find a small chapel.
If you’d rather admire the Peña from afar then Calle Hidalgo is the place to go for the best viewpoint. Or, watch the free light show projected onto the rock’s sides that takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The monolith is believed by many to have mystical powers and the town has become a holistic dealing destination and Bernal can get very busy at weekends and particularly during the spring equinox.
Don’t miss the Museo de La Máscara while here, a museum dedicated to the masks. There are over 300 on display, most of them made by a local artist. Many are made of wood from the palo dulce tree but others are made from cactus, dried maguey leaf and bone.
And make sure to try the town’s famous blue corn gorditas, stuffed corn tortillas filled with cheese, meat and other fillings).
Where to stay in Bernal
Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro
Distance from Mexico City: 218km
The city of Santiago de Querétaro (or Querétaro, as its more commonly known) is one of a handful of old silver mining cities that lie north-west of Mexico City and the UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with colourful colonial buildings, charming cobbled streets and dozens of picturesque tree-lined plazas.
Highlights include the historic centre where you’ll find the stunning 18th-century Baroque mansion, Casa de Ecala, and the town’s aqueduct that still delivers water today. With kids, a trolley bus tour of the centre is a fun way to get around.
One of the most popular things to do for the weekend in Querétaro is a tour of the cheese and wine route. These tours include cheese-making demonstrations and the chance for kids to get a taste of farm life.
Mercado La Cruz, the town’s local market, is a fun place to explore with everything from fruit and vegetables to butchers, fishmongers, taco stands and piñatas. In short, there’s something for everyone!
Querétaro is not far from Bernal so it’s possible to combine the two towns , particularly if you are travelling for longer.
Where to stay in Querétaro
Malinalco, Estado de México
Distance from Mexico City: 95km
Malinalco is one of my favourite towns near Mexico City. It’s extraordinarily pretty, filled with rainbow-coloured houses, lined with cobblestone streets and surrounded on all sides by emerald green mountains.
There’s a wonderful bug museum, the Museo Vivo, that we visited multiple times. Brave visitors can handle the local creepy crawlies including millipedes and spiders – if they dare.
Malinalco is particularly well known for its archaeological zone, once home to the Aztec military elite, the Eagle and Jaguar warriors. You can climb to the top of the Cerro de los Idolos (Hill of the Idols) to see what’s left of the House of the Eagles.
For more ideas on visiting Malinalco, take a look at this post.
Where to stay in Malinalco
Cuernavaca, Morelos
Distance from Mexico City: Approx. 95km
Known as the City of Eternal Spring for its year-round balmy weather, Cuernavaca is possibly the most popular day trip from Mexico City.
Highlights for visitors include the Palacio de Cortes, a two-storey stone palace from 1526 that was built over the ruins of a tlatlocayacalli, a place where tribute was collected by the Tlahuica rulers and later the Aztecs.
The centre was destroyed by the conquistadors and Hernán Cortés turned it into his personal residence to demonstrate his rule over the local people. Today, the former residence houses the Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac and is home to a rather impressive mural by Diego Rivera on the upstairs balcony.
Also worth visiting is the Museo Robert Brady, which showcases the private art collection of American artist and collector Robert Brady. Brady lived in Cuernavaca for 24 years but regularly travelled the world picking up paintings, carvings, textiles and from all over the globe. These are now all on display in his former house alongside works by famous Mexican artists.
Approximately 40km southwest of Cuernavaca is the pre-Columbian archaeological site, Xochicalco, which means “in the house of flowers” in Nahuatl.
Where to stay in Cuernavaca
Tepoztlán, Morelos
Distance from Mexico City: 90km
The pueblo mágico of Tepoztlán is hugely popular with chilangos (Mexico City residents) and can be very crowded at weekends. But don’t let that put you off, this is a great weekend escape.
Legend has it that the area is the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, one of the major deities of ancient Mexico. Myths such as this one have seen countless spiritual pilgrims arrive in town to soak up some of the town’s perceived natural energies.
Not surprisingly, then, the town is filled with places to practice yoga or have a massage, try a traditional temazcal or try crystal healing.
The town is also famous for its craft market, the mural outside the church entrance and the remains of El Tepozteco temple built on top of the nearby Tepozteco Mountain. Climb to the top for amazing views across the valley. Once you’ve climbed down, reward yourself with an ice cream at the 120-year-old Tepoznieves where eccentric ice cream flavours include Moon Lullaby, Angel Kiss and Queen of the Night.
Where to stay in Tepotzlan
Real del Monte, Hidalgo
Distance from Mexico City: 105km
Real del Monte is one of the best day trips from Mexico City, a picturesque town that, unlike most colonial towns in Mexico, has a decidedly British feel thanks to its ties to Cornwall in the UK.
The town is an old tin mining destination and, at one point, was home to hundreds of Cornish miners who lived, worked and died here. You can even visit the British cemetery where all the miners are buried pointing towards England (except for one – see if you can discover which one!).
The first game of football in Mexico is credited with taking place in the mine yard at Mina Dolores Real del Monte and the first tennis match was apparently played here too. The other highlight of a weekend in Real del Monte are the Cornish pasty shops which are prolific and delicious.
Real del Monte sits at 2,660m and the weather can be quite British; don’t be surprised if it’s chilly and foggy when you visit! Regardless of the weather, however, the colourful houses with their red tin roofs and central square with its wrought iron gazebo are delightful and make it one of my favourite weekend trips from Mexico City.
Where to stay in Real del Monte
Puebla City, Puebla
Distance from Mexico City: 135km
The colonial era-planned city of Puebla is one of the easiest weekend escapes from Mexico City.
Famous for its chiles en nogada, its mole poblano and its colourful Talavera pottery, Puebla is also good for antique shopping (try Callejon de los Sapos, Alley of the Frogs). Kids will probably find Museo Amparo and its organised kids’ activities more interesting however!
Just outside the city is Africam Safari, a wildlife park home to some 2,500 animals including giraffes, zebras, elephants and tigers. You can drive through the park yourself or hop aboard one of the park’s guided buses.
Nearby is Cholula, home to the widest pyramid ever built, El Pirámide Tepanapa. Despite this claim to fame however, the pyramid is largely ignored as it is so covered in trees and growth that it’s hardly recognisable as a manmade structure. You can visit the church on top, the bright yellow 16th century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies Church), and discover the tunnels running through the base of the structure.
If you stay overnight in Cholula then set your alarm because the with morning views of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes are sublime.
Where to stay in Puebla
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Distance from Mexico City: 270km
San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most picturesque colonial cities and the perfect place for a weekend break – or retirement! The town is incredibly popular with expats, particularly Americans thanks to its year-round mild climate and ease of living.
It also helps that the town is ridiculously good-looking with stunning baroque architecture, twisting cobbled streets and its famous towering pink sandstone church, Parroquia De San Miguel Arcángel the sits on the main square.
San Miguel is also home to a brilliant toy museum, La Esquina, some fantastic food and a wonderful botanical garden on the outskirts of town. The easiest way to explore with kids is on the trolley tour around the city but it’s an equally friendly town for walking.
Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende
Taxco, Guerrero
Distance from Mexico City: 177km
Located to the southwest of Mexico’s capital, the hilly town of Taxco is famous for its silver jewellery production and colonial-era architecture. Arrive for your weekend getaway on a Saturday when the weekly market takes over the centre of town. Learn where the silver comes from with a visit to Mina de Taxco.
Silver asides, there’s lots to see and do in Taxco. Take a taxi up to El Mirador del Cristo, a statue of Christ that sits on a hilltop overlooking the town for great views. You can also ride the teleferico for vistas over Taxco and beyond.
Near to town are two waterfalls, Las Pozas Azules and Cacalotenango, where you can swim when it’s warm.
Where to stay in Taxco
Valle de Bravo, Estado de Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 140km
The pueblo magico of Valle de Bravo (or Valle as it’s more commonly known) has long been a favourite weekend escape, a good-looking colonial town that feels like a Swiss Alpine village with a smorgasbord of adventure sports to boot.
At the heart of the town sits Lake Avándaro and here you can sail, fish, kayak, water-ski and stand up paddleboard. Out of the water there are opportunities for mountain biking, go-karting, motorcross racing, paragliding and more.
Nearby to Valle is the Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary), a great place to take the family in the months of January and February during the migration of the Monarchs.
Around town it’s worth visiting the Mercado de Artesanías (Artisanal Market), and Iglesia de Santa María del Cristo Negro (Temple of Saint Mary of Ahuacatlan, featuring the Black Christ).
Where to stay in Valle de Bravo
Las Estacas, Morelos
Distance from Mexico City: 121km
One of the easiest day trips from Mexico City is to this natural water park, Las Estacas.
Just two hours from Mexico City, this is not a water park in the traditional sense, rather a mineral spring, day spa and natural reserve located in the town of Tlaltizapan. You can visit for the day or you can stay overnight; there is a camping area and a trailer as well as hostel and hotel accommodation.
A river winds its way through the park and the water is beautifully clean and clear for swimming. There are diving platforms, rope swings and even a kiddie pool with a playground positioned in a couple of feet of water.
Away from the water you can go zip lining or horseback riding. There’s also a small petting zoo tucked away in a corner of the park with goats and chickens.
Where to stay in Las Estacas
Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo
Distance from Mexico City: 124km
The first town in Mexico to be given the title of pueblo magico, Huasca de Ocampo is one of the most popular places to visit in Hidalgo.
Known for its red roofed buildings and narrow streets, it’s also famous for Los Prismas Basálticos, columns of basalt rock 30- to 50-metres high rising in uniform from a gully. Some say it looks similar to the Giant Causeway in Ireland.
To get a good look at this geometrical phenomenon, formed by minerals in the ground, walk along the rope bridge that hangs over the gully. Los Prismas Basálticos are located to the north of town.
Within Huasca de Ocampo itself, kids will love the quirky Museo de los Duendes (Museum of the Elves), dedicated to popular local stories and legends.
Where to stay in Huasca de Ocampo
Cuetzalan, Puebla
Distance from Mexico City: 296km
The charming hillside town of Cuetzalan (meaning Place of the Quetzals) is filled with whitewashed buildings and steep stairs running up and down the mountain slopes. The elevated location means that mist often covers the streets in the morning giving way to views over the hilltops to the Gulf coast, 70km away. It also means that you should pack for both warm and colder weather.
Cuetzalan is best known for its waterfalls, in particular La Cascada de las Brisas and Las Golondrinas that lay hidden in the nearby forest. Hire a guide to for a tour through the forest and then rappel down a 160-feet fall before taking a swim in one of the natural pools. Guides will also point out traditional medicinal plants and tell the history of the area.
For those who like going underground, the cave system around Cuetzalan, the Cueva de Alpazat, is very popular with local and international cavers alike. Also nearby is the pre-Columbian archeological sites of Yohualichan (House of Night in Nahuatl).
Oh my word. How fantastic is this?? I never knew you could buy Cornish pasties in Mexico. And a Museum of the Elves? Take me there.
And the Cornish pasties are SO good!!